National Dance Foundation Grants Scholarships – Bernews
The National Dance Foundation of Bermuda awarded scholarships and bursaries to eight young dancers, including Vidya Cannonier-Watson, Soleil Richardson, T’Aja Williams, Honor Minors, Aura Doran, Inanna Cannonier-Watson, Naysaa Tucker, and Ava-Joy Moreno.
A spokesperson said, “On Monday, August 18, 2025, the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda [NDFB] held its annual Fund Award Presentation at O’Hara House AXA/XL in the Bermudez Room. Since its founding in 2005, the NDFB has awarded over $1 million in scholarships and bursaries to support Bermudian dancers, teachers, and choreographers in their pursuit of world-class training.
“This year’s ceremony, led by Scholarship Committee member Julia Kempe, celebrated eight talented young Bermudians. The NDFB is proud to have awarded a total of eight bursaries and scholarships to deserving young dancers.
Recipients and Parents of those who were unable to attend.
“The Chubb Charitable Foundation Bursary [$3,000] was awarded to Aura Doran [16], who is training at i.d.a. International Dance Academy in Ontario, Canada. The NDFB Bursaries were presented by Chairwoman Jayne Burnet. Inanna Cannonier-Watson [14] received $1,000 to support her first year at Bede’s Legat Dance Academy in the UK. Naysaa Tucker [21] was awarded $2,000 toward her senior year at the American Music and Dramatic Academy, Los Angeles. Ava-Joy Moreno [18] received a bursary valued at $6,000 for her continued studies in Dance and Arts Management at Marymount Manhattan College, New York.
“The NDFB annually awards four major scholarships. The Arch Scholarship [$7,500], in honour of Madame Ana Roje, was awarded to Soleil Richardson [18], entering her second year at Berklee School of Music at the Boston Conservatory. Arnae Lightbourne, Underwriting Assistant from Arch Insurance representing the Arch Charitable Committee, presented the scholarship. Notably, Soleil was chosen this year to perform with the Boston Celtics dance team and is managing to enjoy this aspect of performing while maintaining an impressive presence at school.
“The Chubb Charitable Foundation Bermuda Scholarship valued at $7,500, in honour of L. John Profit, went to T’Aja Williams [21], completing her final year at George Mason University. T’Aja has participated in prestigious dance summer intensives including the American Dance Festival, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Paul Taylor and the Bermuda Civic Ballet. She dreams of becoming a professional concert dancer within the modern, contemporary genres.
The 4 recipients in attendance, Naysaa Tucker, Ava-Joy Moreno, Vidya Cannonier-Watson & Inanna Cannonier-Watson.
“Honor Minors [20] was awarded the Christian Humann Foundation Scholarship with a value of $7,500, in honour of Mrs. Georgine Mary Russell Hill and was presented by her daughter, Dr. June Hill. Honor is a final-year BFA student at Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Some of Honor’s achievements include performing in a Brooklyn Nets halftime show in New York, creatively directing and choreographing a music video, as well as starring in multiple video projects. Post-graduation, Honor plans to explore London and the European commercial dance scene for potential professional opportunities.
“The foundation’s most prestigious award, the Catherine Zeta-Jones Scholarship valued at $15,000, in honour of Patricia Calnan, was awarded to Vidya Cannonier-Watson [18], who will join the English National Ballet School’s Young Artist Development Program. While there, she will be dancing with the English National Ballet Company and have opportunities to train with world class choreographers and coaches. Vidya recently performed in a showcase entitled ‘Dancing Under the Stars’ at Rosewood Tucker’s Point and the Earl Cameron Theatre at City Hall. Anyone who witnessed the incredible performance will attest to Vidya’s talent, stage presence, technical skill and dedication and know how deserving she is.
“In closing, the Foundation thanked its Fund Chairman, Brian O’Hara, donors, the Bermuda Foundation, and the wider community for making these opportunities possible. Kempe reminded the awardees of Martha Graham’s words: “Dance is the hidden language of the soul.””
#Ballet #CollegeScholarships #Dance #Education #GoodNews #NationalDanceFoundation
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